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Collapse raises safety fears at 17 Edinburgh schools

Detailed structural surveys are being carried out at 17 schools across Edinburgh, following their closure due to safety concerns.

The schools were all developed under the PP1 private finance initiative by Edinburgh Schools Partnership (ESP). Fears were raised by the collapse of a wall at one school, Oxgangs Primary School, following recent high winds.

More detailed structural surveys, arranged by ESP will carry on over the course of this week, with secondary schools given priority, because of imminent exams.

City of Edinburgh Council ordered the closure of the schools. Council chief executive Andrew Kerr said: “I today sought assurances from Edinburgh Schools Partnership that their ongoing programme of inspections would give us the confidence to reopen our schools. I have offered to help them secure the necessary resources to complete this as quickly as possible.

“I also reminded them of their contractual and financial obligations and want to assure Edinburgh residents that they will not be left footing the bill”.

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Buildpositive focuses on news and knowledge dedicated to helping to make buildings and cities better for people. It is published, edited and written by London-based freelance journalist Josephine Smit as a free service. If you like what you're reading and are interested in working with Jo, please do get in touch.